timely

1 of 2

adjective

time·​ly ˈtīm-lē 

timelier; timeliest

1

: coming early or at the right time

a timely decision

timely payment

2

: appropriate or adapted to the times or the occasion

a timely book

timeliness noun

timely

2 of 2

adverb

1

: in time : opportunely

the question was not … timely raised in the state court

—W. O. Douglas

2

archaic : early, soon

Synonyms

Adjective

• opportune
• seasonable
• well-timed

Examples of timely in a Sentence

Adjective

Her very timely book examines the effects of global warming on the world's climates.

She always responds to my requests in a timely fashion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

As is often the case with Iranian matters, the reality behind this timely controversy is multifaceted and complex. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 5 May 2025

Though almost eerily timely, the political topicality of the exhibition was not deliberate, as the show was a year-and-a-half in the planning. —Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 4 May 2025

VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason all demoralized the Warriors with their timely 3s. —Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 3 May 2025

At a strangely timely impeachment hearing, a congressman (Wendell Pierce) subjects Yelena’s secretive CIA exploits to official investigation. —Armond White, National Review, 2 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for timely

• sublimely
• untimely

Kids Definition

timely

adjective

time·​ly

ˈtīm-lē

timelier; timeliest

1

: coming early or at the right time

2

: especially suitable for the time

a timely book

timeliness noun

Legal Definition

timely

adjective

time·​ly

ˈtīm-lē

: falling within a prescribed or reasonable time

timely notice

timeliness noun

timely adverb